Conrad Elvehjem

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Linkomies and Elvehjelm
Conrad Elvehjem
BornMay 27, 1901
DiedJuly 27, 1962
NationalityAmerican
Alma materUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison
Known forDiscovery of niacin and its role in preventing pellagra
Scientific career
FieldsBiochemistry
InstitutionsUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison



Conrad Arnold Elvehjem (May 27, 1901July 27, 1962) was an American biochemist known for his discovery of niacin (vitamin B3) and its role in preventing pellagra. He served as the president of the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1958 until his death in 1962.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Conrad Elvehjem was born in McFarland, Wisconsin, and grew up in Cambridge, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1923 and his Ph.D. in 1927. His doctoral research focused on the nutritional aspects of biochemistry.

Career[edit | edit source]

Elvehjem joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1923 and became a full professor in 1936. His research primarily focused on the identification and characterization of vitamins and their roles in animal nutrition.

In 1937, Elvehjem and his colleagues discovered that niacin cured black tongue disease in dogs, which is analogous to pellagra in humans. This discovery was pivotal in understanding the nutritional deficiency that caused pellagra, a disease that was prevalent in the southern United States at the time.

Contributions to Biochemistry[edit | edit source]

Elvehjem's work significantly advanced the field of biochemistry, particularly in the understanding of vitamins and their importance in human health. His research on niacin led to the fortification of foods with this essential nutrient, which helped to virtually eliminate pellagra in the United States.

Later Life and Legacy[edit | edit source]

In 1958, Elvehjem was appointed president of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a position he held until his death in 1962. During his tenure, he continued to advocate for scientific research and higher education.

Elvehjem's contributions to biochemistry and nutrition have had a lasting impact on public health. The Elvehjem Building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is named in his honor, and his work continues to be recognized by the scientific community.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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